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UN International Day of Peace 2013

The United Nations set the theme for this year's observance as "Education for Peace." For a PowerPoint overview of UPF observances, click here.

"It is not enough to teach children how to read, write and count. Education has to cultivate mutual respect for others and the world in which we live, and help people forge more just, inclusive and peaceful societies." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Helsinki, Finland - UPF-Finland and the Africans and African-Europeans Association held a joint program on Sept. 13 commemorating the International Day of Peace and Africa Day with presentations about the views, concerns, and aspirations of young African immigrants.

Phnom Penh - Cambodia - UPF-Cambodia observed the International Day of Peace, with the cooperation of the Cambodia Japan Support Committee, on September 29 at the Pannasastra International School in the capital, Phnom Penh. Under the theme “Education for Peace,” 120 high school and university students heard presentations about universal moral values.

Berkeley, USA - A forum on "Paths to Peace: Building Compassion and Commitment to Transformation" took place on September 8 at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. Keynote speakers included Prof. David McGaffey, speaking on "Swords into Plowshares, Enemies into Friends" and Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian on "Compassion Is the Key to Peace."

UPF-Bolivia organized an International Day of Peace program in La Paz on September 14 that featured interreligious ceremonies and prayers and a speech by Dr. Samuel Soria on principles of peace. In Cochabamba, the Youth Federation of Bolivia held a forum on September 22 on the topic "Education for Peace."

Bogota, Colombia - An International Day of Peace program on September 28 featured Imam Julian Zapata, co-founder and director of the Islamic Cultural Center in Colombia; Dr. Alexandra Martinez, a lawyer and member of the Presbyterian Church; and Pastor Alfredo Torres, director of the NGO Christians for Peace.

Majuro, Marshall Islands – An International Day of Peace forum at the Long Islands Hotel in Majuro on September 25 featured Hon. Kessai Note, former President of the Republic of Marshall Islands and now a Senator, as the keynote speaker.

“It would be better to devote 364 days to peace and only one day to the war, rather than the other way.” These are the words of Carlo Chierico, President of UPF-Monza and Brianza UPF, at an International Day of Peace event on September 21 in Monza. In Bergamo, representatives of various faiths poured water on a "Tree of Peace" that was planted in 2008. In Milan, UPF hosted a program of prayers and music from various faith traditions.

There were three celebrations of the International Day of Peace in DR Congo: in Kinshasa in partnership with the military, police, and civil authorities; in Moanda in Bas-Congo, 700 km from Kinshasa; and in Kikwit in the province of Bandundu, 500 km from Kinshasa.

Auckland, New Zealand - An International Day of Peace observance in Auckland on September 21 organized by the UPF and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) provided an opportunity for Auckland peace groups to reaffirm their shared values for non-violence, disarmament, and peace, in the community and in the world.

Accra, Ghana - A busy location in the center of Accra was chosen to inform the public about the International Day of Peace on September 21 and invite them to speak about their understanding of peace. In addition, young people from the Splendors of Dawn Poetry Foundation recited poems about peace.

Kaluaggala, Sri Lanka - At St. John Bosco's Central College in Kaluaggala, celebrations of the International Day of Peace on September 20 included an assembly, peace march, and speeches about the UN International Day of Peace and its relevance to Sri Lanka.

Kiev, Ukraine - UPF-Ukraine organized two projects in observance of the International Day of Peace: making origami cranes with students at the Gymnasium of Oriental Languages and a football match for peace with students at the Kiev University of Law.

Kanagawa, Japan - In commemoration of the UN International Day of Peace, a cleanup project organized by UPF-Japan and YFWP-Japan (Youth Federation for World Peace) in cooperation with the Kanagawa Coastal Environmental Foundation was held at Wada-Nahama beach on the Miura Peninsula of Kanagawa Prefecture on September 15. This was the seventh year of environmental projects.

Tbilisi, Georgia - UPF-Georgia and its partners took part in the celebration of the International Day of Peace with educational programs and tree planting at two schools, a training program in principles of peace, and publicizing the the International Day of Peace by distributing cards to the public

Libreville, Gabon - A lecture about education for peace on the theme "The Family as the School of Love and Peace" took place on September 8 in Libreville in observance of the International Day of Peace.

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We are an international and interreligious network of individuals and organizations, including representatives from religion, government, civil society and the private sector dedicated to achieving world peace. UPF supports the work of the United Nations, particularly in the areas of interfaith peacebuilding, peace education, and the strengthening of marriage and family.

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